Written with You by Aly Martinez

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Boy, oh boy…what an ending! A more accurate reaction would be “Boy, oh boy! What a series!”. I’m not quite sure how I stumbled upon this literary gold. Perhaps it was during one of my browsing sessions on “kindle store recommendations”. Whatever it was that brought me to being a lucky reader, I’m forever grateful.

For those of you considering this series (which you definitely should!) be sure to start with Written with Regret! You would rob yourself of some fantastic reading by jumping straight to this one.

Written with You picks up right where the previous book and mind-blowing cliff hanger left off. It’s true what they say…it’s a cruel, cruel world out there. I finished the first book in this series and had to wait 5 days until this book was released. 5 WHOLE DAYS of suffering. Luckily, when the book was delivered to my kindle i was able to wrap myself into the story of Hadley, Rosalee, Caven (gorgeous, perfect Caven), and Willow. The dynamics between the characters, the pacing, and foreshadowing lured me in and kept me captive. Perhaps it’s the sign of true talent (or my dark heart) but I’m completely satisfied with the tragic events that unfolded. There is so much more that I want to say but I’m stumbling over the words in my head, afraid that I’ll unintentionally spoil parts of the book.

Bottom line, this is an author I am going to be following. If her other work is as creative and intriguing I’ll most likely start a fan club and establish myself as president.

Happy reading book buddies!



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Written with Regret by Aly Martinez

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was my first introduction to Aly’s work… and what a splendid encounter it was! Equal parts tragic, lusty, and adorable. First and foremost I want to mention how well crafted the characters were. Multidimensional and genuine. (Is it fair to label fictional characters as genuine?) I found myself intrigued and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. From boiling rage and turmoil, heartache, excitement, amusement, and steam. This story took me everywhere I wanted to go as a reader.

Fantastic story- highly recommend to all you book buddies out there!



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Eleanor & Grey by Brittainy C. Cherry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Eleanor & Grey is a story that spans almost 2 decades. The first half is set when Eleanor and Grey are in high school. Grey’s grandfather has recently passed from cancer. He’s the popular boy who’s surrounded by people but desperately lonely. Eleanor’s mother is also battling cancer. This half of the book is absolutely beautiful. Two sad souls finding peace and strength in each other. I loved the juxtaposition of their youth side-by-side with the maturity and gorgeous love they have for each other. Endearing and heartbreaking…I soaked up every word and praised the “Kindle Unlimited” gods for sending me this book.

The second half revisits these characters 17 years later. Truth be told I finished the book a day ago and am just now writing my review. My thoughts were all over the page and I wanted to give you lovely book friends an accurate review. I’m sorry to share that when the story re-introduces Eleanor and Grey…two characters you’ll be enchanted with from the first half…they don’t even resemble the people they once were. Don’t get me wrong, the second half of the story has beauty, moments of sorrow, triumph, and humor. It just seemed like a different book, featuring different characters.

The author is obviously very talented. She wove a story that not only spanned almost 2 decades, but a variety of emotions, settings, and issues. I kept hoping to see more redemption, perhaps more of the characters they resembled in their youth. In an effort not to give away spoilers I’ll just say I think Eleanor deserved more prominence and instead feel like the book ended with her in more of a supporting role.



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Unexpected Gift by R.S. Lively

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Whew- this book took me on a roller coaster ride that I’m not quite sure I enjoyed.

From the description I would assume most readers go into the story knowing there are going to be certain dark elements and sadness. The first 30% of the story the sense of loss and melancholy is almost palatable. The author does a fantastic job of walking the reader through the almost insurmountable pain they are experiencing. Brilliant writing! As a reader I was hooked but also ready to move on from the pain and watch the characters grow within themselves and lean on each other.

What I got instead was two adult “children” who bickered, slut shamed, and then had sex with each other. The author didn’t craft a path for growth or redemption. I’m at a loss…





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For Lila, Forever by Winter Renshaw

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Book friends- For Lila, Forever has earned a 5-star glowing review from me! I knew I’d be posting a gushing review when I woke up at 4am, unable to sleep until I finished the story. If you are prone to manic book reading sessions take note! Perhaps dive into this book over a long weekend when you can supplement your sleep loss with naps? Just a suggestion. 😉 Now let me detail why this book had me so excited.

The setting for this story (or at least the most pivotal moments) is an private island called Rose Crossing. The author does a fantastic job describing the gorgeous, yet desolate island for readers. The story would not be plausible without the island being crafted or introduced in a very specific manner. For example, the island is accessible by boat but only at certain times of the week and under the supervision of the island’s controlling owner and/or his loyal staff. It also has extremely limited cell service, cable, internet, etc. This means that although the residents and guests of Rose Crossing are enjoying luxurious accommodations they are (for all intents and purposes) at the mercy of the island’s owner…who just so happens to be an maniacal and calculating man.

ATTENTION LADIES- I’m going to introduce you to your next book boyfriend! Thayer Ainsworth is everything beautiful in this world. Even as a young child his family admires his amiable and relaxed manner. He has a soft heart that welcomes others and is slow to judge. His loyalty even in the most difficult times- is unwavering and relentless. Swoon! Lest not you worry! The outside is just as gorgeous as the inside! At one point in the story Thayer is enlikened to a Greek god. Tall, dark, and handsome….oh, and he’s also set to inherit millions of dollars and a private island. Yes, please!

After reading that description I’m sure you’re wondering what lucky lady could possibly be worthy of such a man… Lila Hillard arrives at Rose Crossing to work alongside her grandparents after her mother suddenly passes away. She’s blonde with long legs and carries a negative outlook on life. Lila is constantly waiting for the proverbial other shoe to fall. Even though life has handed her a rough start she’s a hard worker, smart, and shows moments of strength. While I will share there were missed opportunities for her to rise above her circumstances I don’t want that to overshadow your reaction to the story.

I’m worried to go further into the plot and characters without giving away spoilers. Rest assured there’s equal parts of cute romance, frustration and angst, anger towards the wicked, and hope for the characters to overcome all that they’ve lost. I loved this story and hope you do also!

Happy reading book buddies!



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Crash by Drew Jordan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


4 WTF stars. Twisted, warped, at times very sexy, and completely mental.



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